FXR or Softail

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Aug 20, 2016 | 06:07 PM

#11

ChickinOnaChain

Big Kahuna HDF Member

Joined: Dec 2012

Posts: 322,622

Likes: 3,077

From: .....

Soft tail because that's all I've had. No ugly shocks showing on the side.

Aug 20, 2016 | 06:18 PM

#12

Jackie Paper

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Mar 2010

Posts: 38,525

Likes: 6,406

From: Honah Lee

Watch out for a Softail in that date range. It could be one of the early solid mounted EVO non balanced engines. Unless you like that vibration filling.

Aug 20, 2016 | 06:29 PM

#13

TwiZted Biker

Club Member

Joined: Mar 2009

Posts: 66,110

Likes: 51,394

From: Niles Canyon Ca.

Quote:

Originally Posted by RIPSAW

Watch out for a Softail in that date range. It could be one of the early solid mounted EVO non balanced engines. Unless you like that vibration filling.

All softtails were that way till the twinkie models , early slop tails had issues like a mix and match of shovel parts still and really bad shocks on the rear

Aug 20, 2016 | 06:29 PM

#14

upflying

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Aug 2013

Posts: 35,795

Likes: 38,536

From: Post Falls, ID

FXR's were the best HD chassis ever made.
I ride a Dyna because it is as close as you can get to a FXR.

Aug 20, 2016 | 08:52 PM

#15

Greezey Rider

Ultimate HDF Member

Joined: Apr 2014

Posts: 6,322

Likes: 2,500

From: Tennessee

Buy the FXR...Softails are JUNK, sorriest bike Harley has ever built.

Aug 20, 2016 | 10:36 PM

#16

sharkey

Grand HDF Member

Joined: May 2007

Posts: 3,870

Likes: 499

From: Alberta

FXR for long term value, smoothness & handling. Ugly stock 80's style though. JMO
Shovel would be real intersting, but more maintenance...

Aug 20, 2016 | 10:51 PM

#17

Fred Halstead

Thread Starter

Intermediate

Joined: Mar 2016

Posts: 39

Likes: 4

From: 51360

Quote:

Originally Posted by TwiZted Biker

All softtails were that way till the twinkie models , early slop tails had issues like a mix and match of shovel parts still and really bad shocks on the rear

So would I need to stay with 1998 or newer if I went with a softail to be in a twin?

Aug 20, 2016 | 10:55 PM

#18

Bingee

Outstanding HDF Member

Joined: Dec 2008

Posts: 2,007

Likes: 353

From: Ohio

In '87 I bought a new FXLR Custom and in '88 I added a new FXSTC. Put thousands of miles on both. The Lowrider is a great handling bike. And was easy on vibration. The Softail has great styling but not as great handling. Adding rake to a FXR would ruin the value and add little to the looks.

HD Forum Stories

The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders

7 Times Harley-Davidson Chucked Tradition Out the Window

Verdad Gallardo

7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles

Verdad Gallardo

8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

Pouria Savadkouei

10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

Pouria Savadkouei

Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In

Verdad Gallardo

Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?

Verdad Gallardo

Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept

Verdad Gallardo

Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II

Verdad Gallardo

10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy

Joe Kucinski

10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026

Verdad Gallardo

Aug 21, 2016 | 12:39 AM

#19

TwiZted Biker

Club Member

Joined: Mar 2009

Posts: 66,110

Likes: 51,394

From: Niles Canyon Ca.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fred Halstead

So would I need to stay with 1998 or newer if I went with a softail to be in a twin?

If I'm understanding what you said there anything past 1992 is fine for an evo with the counterbalanced or " B " motors starting in 2000 or so in the twin cam configuration. The late 80's evo softtails were change years and they had a couple configurations still using older style parts in the primary & drive train while nothing bad could a bit much for a novice to sort out. 1990 and up things became more commonized.